Police in America

"Gang members? A rite of initiation?" Surprisingly, Hank Voight was the first to speak up.

Reid, curious, asked, "Are Chicago gang initiations really this bloody and violent?"

The seasoned detective, Alvin Olinsky, scoffed, seemingly unimpressed by the local gangs.

"I've seen beheadings, people beaten to a pulp, even genital mutilation stuffed into mouths, but something this violent, without regard for race or gender? Not yet. Maybe it's a new gang."

"I contacted the families of the four victims, as well as the family from the previous home invasion. They're very willing to assist with our investigation, but there are quite a few of them. I'll need some help," JJ said.

"No fingerprints were left at the scene, indicating they wore gloves during the killings. But when they assaulted the two women, they didn't use protection. Doesn't that seem contradictory?" Emily asked, puzzled.

"Maybe they've only committed minor crimes before and haven't left any DNA records, or perhaps they're well aware of how busy our Chicago police department is. By the time our forensic lab processes these DNA samples, it could be three to six months later."

Hank Voight's response left the BAU team exchanging uneasy glances. They all knew Chicago's crime situation was bad, but a six-month wait for DNA testing seemed absurd.

"We can have the FBI's crime lab assist with the DNA analysis," Rossi sighed quietly before sharing his thoughts.

"What we need to consider is how these suspects have managed to remain hidden in the neighborhood without being detected. They're clearly familiar with the area, yet their actions are extremely brazen, but everything feels contradictory."

"They easily avoided the night patrols, knew the locations of nearby surveillance cameras, and despite the apartment having a few new residents, no one noticed anything."

As Rossi spoke, Reid pulled up a map of the surrounding area on the screen, marking all the related crime scenes.

"The crime scene is in a newly developed upscale residential area, a bit of a distance from the lawless South Side. The surrounding area is mainly traditional working-class, most of whom were born here, work, and live nearby."

"Are you suggesting the suspects might be locals? Perhaps their anti-rich sentiment stems from the economic downturn?" Jack followed Reid's reasoning.

"I don't know, but I agree with Rossi that this is something worth considering. Whatever caused this hatred and anger, such extreme violence suggests an antisocial group of at least three people. How are they hiding among the locals?"

Emily chimed in, and her words caused everyone, including the Intelligence Unit members, to fall silent. While the motive might be explained by group psychology, this case felt strangely off—like something was out of place.

If Jack were to describe this feeling, it was like coming home and opening the door to find Hannah dressed in a traditional Chinese outfit, serenely sitting in the living room, playing the pipa and performing a song. 

If Jack hadn't lived in this country for so many years and worked as a patrol officer, he might not have understood this feeling, much like many back in Ceris wouldn't.

In this country, a region's actual security isn't measured as a whole but by specific spots or small areas. 

For example, the overall crime rate in Chicago might rank low nationally, but many neighborhoods and surrounding suburban towns have astonishingly good security. 

Take Naperville in the West Side, once voted "America's Safest City," or Joliet in the southwest suburbs, ranked eighth in the national list of safest cities. 

Or the upscale neighborhood where the crime occurred—Jack didn't even see a single homeless tent there. 

This isn't to say violent crimes never happen in wealthy areas, but a series of escalating vandalism and extreme violence could spell disaster. 

If these cases continue without quick resolution, rumors of worsening security could prompt the wealthy to flee, leading to an irreversible decline of the entire community. 

This is likely why the Chicago police called in the BAU immediately after the escalation—they couldn't afford the wrath of the investors in this area. 

Hotchner nodded and spoke to Garcia, who was connected via video.

"Garcia, search the records in the surrounding areas, including this year and last year, for people who have had their properties foreclosed, declared bankruptcy due to unemployment, or applied for unemployment benefits. Filter the age range to 25 to 45."

After thinking for a moment, he added, "Also, monitor local social networks to see if anyone is organizing similar attacks through the dark web or social media."

"No problem, I've recently learned some new tricks. If they've left any clues, I'll find them."

Garcia cracked her knuckles with a menacing air, but the result was an unexpected popping sound followed by a scream as the video cut off.

Jack rolled his eyes in exasperation—Garcia always managed to add an element of surprise.

Hotchner then turned to Hank Voight. "We need your assistance. You know the local situation best, and we need more intelligence."

"The information we have isn't enough to make a precise psychological profile. The disconnect between these cases is too stark. Either we've missed something, or there's something we're not aware of."

Hank Voight, clearly annoyed at being given tasks by the FBI, thought for a moment before issuing orders in his own way.

"We don't have time to sit around and wait for these guys to strike again. Alvin, Antonio, go talk to your street informants, see if there are any new faces or emerging gangs around."

"With the South Side gang wars getting crazier, maybe this is a new gang's way of making an entrance."

"Burgess, have a word with your patrol buddies. Increase night patrols around the area, especially near the crime scene."

"I'll talk to some old friends. Erin, you stay here and assist the FBI." With that, Hank Voight swaggered off, his slightly bow-legged stride taking him away.

Hotchner opened his mouth but couldn't find the words to respond.

"Sorry, he's a man of action," Erin Lindsay said, forcing a smile at the BAU team.

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